I consider facial hair very important to me that when it first started to pop up on my face, I concluded it is high time I take a course on it; I bet you’ve never heard of any course about beards, have you?
I haven’t heard of such a course either, so all I did was research, so I started by learning how to shave.
I could start by learning how to shave with razor blades or even electric shavers but there was this particular thought that came into my mind which was about traditional shaving, how people used to shave their beards even before manual razors and electric shavers swung into action.
I kept on imagining how painful shaving body hair had been in those days, but since I have no clue then, I decided why not become a history student just for this sake. I’m not that caught up in history stuff, but it seems it is the best way to sometimes get to satisfy my curiosity. Thereon, I discovered that there was a time when all shavers need to shave their facial hair by rubbing pumice stone all over their face, and some get theirs, plucked out with tweezers.
It just sounds horrific to me, so I decided why, cut the crap about the history stuff and come back to the present. That was when I decided to focus on the tools we use in shaving now, and a way to shave because that was all I’ll need. But the confusion was between Electric Shaver vs Razor. Beard trimmer was also a consideration but I wasn’t looking to trim my beard so I crossed it.
Thereupon, I decided to focus on choosing one of either electric shaver vs razor.
Electric Shaver Vs Razor
I wondered what their roles and differences were; so that was my next move, and I learned that the Electric Shaver vs Razor differences are:
- Manual razors provide a clean shave, so it completely shaves off the hairs within that shaved area, and you need some sort of moisture or lathering foam to properly get it done (wet shave).
- Electric shaver on the other hand provides that feeling of decency, comfort, and luxury to make your beard exactly as you want it to be.
These differences clearly show that razors are meant for men that want to have that fresh feel and decent look, while electric shavers are meant for those that love to keep their facial hairs more leveled.
Easy enough right? Well, if you’ve been in the midst of those men that continually argue about razor vs shaver, you will know that it is not that simple to grasp.
Electric Shaver And Types
Electric shaver may look very attractive and futuristic indeed, but did you know that it has been in existence since the 1920s? Yes, you read that right.
The first electric shaving device was patented in the year 1928.
While an electric razor may not offer several men that thorough or a perfected close shave compared to manual razors, when it comes to feeling comfortable and having easy control during shaving your hairs, then electric shavers would take a medal on that.
Moreover, it gives a wide array of shaving options for men than just a close shave, so you can attain a bit more virile look.
When using electric razors, you are very much assured some of the electric razor conveniences like safety during shaving since the possibility of getting yourself some nicks cuts in the process is reduced to almost impossible, and compared to razors with open blades, using an electric shaver requires less maintenance and professionalism.
Morning is the regular time to get prepared for work, not to forget that we have just a limited time to take our bath, dress up, have breakfast, and move out early.
But what if you wake up the next morning and have to chip in shaving your face into the sets of your day’s routine?
Using an electric razor, you can easily complete your shave, handle your morning chores, and set out for work, without getting late.
Electric razors are much faster and you don’t need any pre-shaving cream or foam, so even if you’re getting late for work, you can easily rush your shave up with an electric razor.
For the case of a man who uses manual razors to wet shave his hairs, he has to first consider applying shaving cream or something else that moisturizes and frees the hair pores of the part to be shaved.
Even after that, I can’t advise him to rush up the shave, to avoid being late for work, because unlike with electric razor, using manual razors requires both steadiness and carefulness, if not, he might be subjecting his skin to a razor burn or even further nicks cuts.
When talking about electric shaver for sensitive skin should greatly be considered.
For men shaving ingrown hairs, when you shave electrically using some of the premium shavers out there you are more likely to get a better result from the shave possible.
For men with sensitive skin, manual razors have more potential to escalate your pain and lesions, especially with the fact that you need to apply a moisturizer, lather, or shaving cream that might come at the detriment of your skin’s freshness.
In this case, going for shaving with an electric razor is your best bet because its extra layer that prevents you from having the closest shave before will at this point prove itself to be helpful by protecting your skin in the long run.
This is because it wouldn’t reach up to the depth from which your sensitive face would find it irritating enough to cause you any major discomfort.
Therefore, when you want to shave your face with an electric razor, you don’t need to lather up or require applying shaving cream or some substances that have to do with a wet shave.
This way, you no longer have to provoke the skin more, using some of the substances you ought to apply in the case of using a manual blade to shave your facial hair.
The Braun series are some of the best electric shavers you can find out there, the series 7 and its predecessors offer both dry and wet shaving opportunities.
However, there are different types of electric shavers that you can find in the stores, and with regards to your hair shaving method, you should go for the best electric shaver so you can have a more precise shaving of your hairs.
We have the Foil and Rotary or Oscillating shavers.
The electric foil shaver has some sort of foil that covers its blade. On the other hand, a rotary-type shaver has a series of rotating blades on the shaving part. The oscillating heads are three in number, but from the look of things, technology might soon come up with a rotary hair shaver that has more or less than the three common rotating heads.
Both of these kinds of shavers have the specific shaving functions that they work best for.
If you are looking for the ones that will offer you the closest shave, then you might want to stick to the foil shaver, while if you need a shave that is more even, then a rotary shaver will have your back on this.
With all that I’ve said about electric razors, you might begin to think that the electrics had taken all the scores behind them, but sorry to disappoint; electric razors aren’t only pros without cons.
So, check out the pros and cons of using an electric razor, before we move further to discuss the traditional razor.
- No need to buy blades
- Dry shaving experience
- Provides easier and faster shaving
- Good for someone with acne, since it doesn’t cause inflammation of the skin or irritates the skin either
- The tendency of getting lesions or injury is very slim, especially with the best electric razors
- Although it is expensive considering a one-time purchase, since it can last you for a couple of years, it is absolutely a bang for your bucks
- Shaving with an electric razor doesn’t necessarily get the closest shave you may require
- The constant need for batteries or recharging. If there is a power shortage on the device, then it won’t hesitate to die, regardless of how far you’ve gone in your shaving
- Even though some of the newer models of electric shavers are waterproof, most of them cannot be used in wet conditions
Best Foil Shaver and Best Rotary Shaver
- Color: Blue
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Item Weight: 360 Grams
- Head Type: Rotary
- Special Feature: Cord/cordless, Head shaver
- Color: Gray
- Blade Material: Titanium
- Item Weight: 0.6 Pounds
Razors and Types
Unlike electric razors that are classified into two classes, manual razors have a broader scope in terms of their types.
Therefore, I’ll try to give you guys a more in-depth insight into their distinct types as we move on.
Disposable Razors
Gillette Sensor3 Comfort Disposable Razors for Men, 8 Count, Lubrastrip Glides Easily Over Your Skin
- Color: Blue and Silver
- Style: 8 Razors
- Material: Rubber
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH
4.09 x 2.14 x 8.1 inches
As their name implies, the use of disposable razors is not just for a limited, but also for a short time.
Once the sharpness of the disposable razor runs down to the extent that it no longer gives you a nice shave, then you should know that it is as good as getting disposed of, and replaced by new ones.
Disposable razors are usually very cheap, and due to their method of use, they are suitable for traveling.
While traveling, you may forget to take along or consider it a burden to take your regular shaver with you, or have a visitor who may have left his shaver at home; in both cases, you can easily get a disposable razor.
Depending on the quality of the disposable razor and its brand, it may contain a single blade, two, three, or even more blades in them.
The more the number of blades present in the razor, the more it’s chance of being of better quality and also the lower the risks of getting nicks and cuts or having razor burn.
When it comes to durability, disposable razors are not that good. The frequency by which you’ll need to periodically change your disposable razor is very high.
In my case, once I shave twice using a disposable razor, I find it not sharp enough for a third use.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a good traveling companion that lets you shave at your convenience, and is also cheap enough that you need not care about finding it if it ever gets lost, then having a disposable razor is your best bet.
However, like a number of men, if the quality of the razor blade and that of the shave really matter, then disposable razors might not be suitable for you.
Safety Razors
- Color: Chromium Silver
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 0.24 Pounds
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 3.75 x 1.75 x 1 inches
During the times of our grandparents, a safety razor is the most used hair shaving tool especially in men, and chances are that some of our parents met to use them as well.
However, they are not the only ones that love to vibe along with the potential of a safety razor.
As its name implies, a safety razor provides a lot of safety and protection to the skin during wet shaving.
Safety razors have a metalhead that holds a replaceable edge razor of a single blade having two sharp edges at both ends.
A slight section of the edge razor only sweeps the skin, this way; it shaves your hair without getting to the extent of hurting your skin.
With a safety razor, you are not just getting your face an only safe hair shave, but also that invaluable and closer shave you are looking forward to having.
We’ve discussed earlier how durable, electric razors are in shaving men’s hairs. Well, a similar thing can be said about safety razors hairs shaving too.
While making the purchase, a safety razor of premium quality may look expensive from the sight of things, like many other men, you will get to understand in the long run from the quality and long-lasting period of its use that it is a bang for your bucks.
All you have to do is to replace the blades from time to time and you are good to go.
If you compare the electric shaver vs razor, you’ll see that in terms of getting a close shave, the safety razor shave is better even for ingrown hairs, while in terms of faster shaving, an electric shaver is better since shaving your hairs with it is swifter, and you do not need any prior wet shave preparation.
However, they both provide an equal or closer deal in terms of safety.
Safety razors are also great alternatives to cut-throat razors, so when next you long for a straight razor kind of shave, but with more safety, let a safety razor come to your mind.
- They possess a premium look and feel
- With proper maintenance, it may last a lifetime
- Although no total razor is safe, it offers a great deal of safety that makes it safe enough for shaving ingrown hairs
- Needs time and practice to learn how to use it well
- Usually comes with a shorter handle
- Depending on the material it is made from, a safety razor has the potential to corrode
- Although it is investment-wise in the end, you may find its price a bit expensive at the beginning
Straight Razor
- Color: Black
- Material: Stainless Steel, Brass
- Item Weight: 0.24 Pounds
- Handle Material: Metal
Many men had already given up, thinking they won’t be able to get a close enough shave similar to their usual faces prior to puberty.
Well, the good news is that with a straight razor, you can get a smooth shave as a baby’s behind.
They are among the oldest shavers that are still in use today, and more often than not, many men have realized that this old-school razor is what they should go back to, for the closest shave especially for ingrown hairs.
When it comes to styling the beard, straight razors are perfect for getting the job done. This is why you are more likely going to find a barber using straight razors to shape the beards when they really mean business.
Another name for a straight razor is Cut-Throat Razor, and the name exactly defines it, because it is a shaver with the potential to cut the throat.
Using the cut-throat razor, there is a high tendency that a slight mistake could mean you cutting your throat or any other area while shaving, due to its sharp and unprotected nature.
Nonetheless, you should ensure that the blade is always sharp, so you don’t get to irritate your skin in the process.
For guys with acne, cut-throat razors may not be suitable for you as they could easily incite more irritations.
- As a man, using the cut-throat razor would ensure that you get the closest shave ever, to the extent of clearing your ingrown hairs
- While there are tools you need to purchase together with the straight razor, investing in them could last you forever
- It is versatile enough to provide you with the greatest and perfected styling you could ever think of having
- It is not beginner-friendly as it doesn’t look that safe, so you may easily cut your throat or skin if you didn’t exercise enough carefulness and concentration
Cartridge Razors
- Color: White
- Style: Razor
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 6.63 x 9.88 x 1.5 inches
- Skin Type: Sensitive
Often, people interchange cartridge razors for disposable razors, while they aren’t the same.
As we’ve discussed earlier, disposable razors are used a few times, and when the blades get dull, they are meant to be discarded.
On the other hand, a cartridge razor can be reused. All you need to do is keep the handle and switch the head containing the blades to a new one when the older head becomes dull.
A safety blade razor stands a better chance, compared to a cartridge and electric razor when it comes to giving you a close shave.
Their blades are generally designed to be not so sharp, but for many men and women with sensitive skin, this is of a huge advantage as it protects them from having any further irritations.
Nowadays, cartridge razors have got some upgrades as some companies provide cartridge razors that come with electric motors in them; slightly upgrading to an electric razor.
These improvements have covered some of the shortcomings of a basic cartridge razor, like the speed at which shaving is done using them. This made it borrow some qualities of electric razors.
For the price, cartridge razors are among the top pocket-friendly shavers for men under budget, so whenever you require a simple wet shave, all you need to do is locate a nearby store, get a lot for yourself with just a few bucks and you are good to go.
- They offer both convenience and speed, so if you are looking forward to having a fast wet shaving, you may consider cartridge razors
- It is beginner-friendly, and there is a lower risk of cutting yourself in the process of wet shaving using the cartridge razors
- The majority of the cartridges come with a moisture strip, so you can easily get a wet shave
- They come in different varieties, so you can go for the one you like most
- It is not preferred by men that prefer to get a close shave
- Their proprietary designs made it always hard to fit another cartridge into a different brand of razor, so you are most likely to be buying your cartridge from the same brand and model to make them fit
FAQs:
1. Is electric shavers better than razors?
It depends on personal preference and needs. Electric shavers offer convenience, speed, and safety, making them suitable for those who prioritize these factors. Razors, on the other hand, provide a closer shave and are preferred by those who prioritize a smooth finish.
2. What are the cons of electric shaving?
Some Drawbacks of electric shaving includes:
- Electric shavers may not provide as close shave as manual razors.
- They require batteries or charging, which can be inconvenient if the device runs out of power mid-shave.
- Most electric shavers cannot be used in wet conditions.
3. Do electric shavers give a close shave?
Electric shavers may not provide as close a shave as manual razors, especially for those who prefer a perfectly smooth finish. However, they offer convenience and speed, making them a popular choice for many.
4. Do electric shavers cause ingrown hairs?
Electric shavers are less likely to cause ingrown hairs compared to manual razors, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. The protective layer provided by electric shavers helps prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
5. Is it better to shave before or after shower?
It is generally recommended to shave after showering or during a shower. The warm water and steam help soften the hair, making it easier to shave and reducing the risk of irritation. Additionally, showering before shaving helps open up the pores, allowing for a smoother and closer shave.
Conclusion
From the comparisons we’ve had between electric shaver vs razor, it is obvious that both have their pros and cons. Therefore, it is a bit difficult for anyone to conclude which ones are the best.
There are different variables you need to consider, however, it is better to rely on your personal preferences as a rule of thumb.
Moreover, if you’re still not sure of which of either an electric shaver or razor to go for, the best thing you can do is to use both of them, and then make the decision afterward. You may also like an article on Norelco beard shaver.
